By Honorary Reporter Virginia Long from U.S.
Photos = Virginia Long

An estimated 200,000 stray cats live on the streets in Seoul. They unfortunately live an average of just five years because of negative factors such as weather, food shortages and road accidents. Thus more Koreans are caring for these cats by feeding them or providing blankets or boxes to keep them warm in cold weather.

Many parts of Korea have implemented a trap, neuter and return system in which people trap stray cats, bring them to a vet to have them neutered or spayed, and return them to the outdoors. This helps control the stray cat population but does not offers the best quality of life since they still have to live outdoors.

A stray cat in Korea

To improve the welfare of these cats, many Koreans are adopting or caring for them. The internet is a helpful tool for helping stray cats find permanent homes since many people or shelters promote fostering or adopting them via social media or apps such as Paw in Hand.

Screenshots of Paw in Hand

My fiance and I adopted our two cats through Paw in Hand. After adopting a cat, one should take it to the vet to check for health problems and vaccinate, spay and neuter it.

When adopting a cat, please assume the responsibility of caring for it for its life. This means that even if you decide to leave Korea, bring your cat with you. Sadly, many cats are abandoned because their owners don't want them anymore or find it too complicated to bring them to another country. If you're not sure that you can care for a cat in such a situation, it is better to care for it until a more permanent home can be found. Raising stray cats is also a great way to help them in Korea.

My fiance and I adopted two stray cats.

Consider adopting a stray cat if you're looking for a furry companion to share your life with. One provides years of joy and happiness and is a great addition to your family. There's nothing like the feeling of coming home and being greeted by your furry friend at the door meowing for food. 

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.